Category Archives: Eid

Can you enlightened me of the eid salah should be open air or in a mosque.
Thank you

Answer:

Wa Alaikumus Salam

It is Sunnah to perform the Eid Salaah in ‘open-air’ rather than in a mosque. It is narrated in authentic traditions that it was the Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A) to leave his mosque for the Eid Salaah and perform it in the Musallah (open prayer place) which was at the outer gate of Madinah. All the Imams of Fiqh have also stated that it is Sunnah to observe the Eid Salaah in ‘open-air’. Open-air refers to an open field or area where everyone can gather for the Eid Salaah. In the absence of the availability of such a place, and for good reasons, the Eid Salaah will be performed in the mosque.

With respect to having Eid Salaah in ‘open-air’, those who are in charge of establishing and overlooking this, must ensure that proper facilities are made to avoid the intermingling and mixing of males and females. A proper purdah/barrier system must be placed to ensure that women achieve the privacy that they require, and that the laws of the Sacred Shariah are adopted in this regard.

If proper barriers/screens etc are not placed, and women and men are allowed to mix freely, the Scholars/Jurists have written that women must not attend such ‘open-air’ for Eid Salaah.

Some of the people told that in Eid salah must pray in Open ground not in the Masjid..It is the Sunnah of Prophet(PBUH)…
Other’s told that Prophet(PBUH) pray in Open Ground is one of the reason for Small area Masjid and also they mention the Hadeeth like Umar (rali) one’s Pray in masjid due to Rainy Season..
Other’s told Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) also prayed Jumuah Salah in masjid,(lot of People Gathered ) especially Why Prophets(PBUH) prayed Eid Salah in Open Ground Please Clarify those one….

Wa Alaikum Assalaam,

الجواب و بالله التوفيق

When one says the extra takbeers in Eid Salah, one is required to raise the hands. This is evident from the hadith which Imam Tahawi has quoted in his book Sharh Ma’ani Al Athar. The hadith states, ‘The hands shall not be lifted/raised except in seven places. In the beginning of Salaah; in the Beginning of Qunut in Witr; in both Eid Salah; at the time of making Istilaam of Hajr Aswad; Upon Safa and Marwah; At Arafah, and at the two Jamraats.’ (Sharh MA’ani Al Athar, Tahawi).

It was the continuous practice of the Prophet (S.A.S) to go out in the Musalla (open space/ground) for the Eid Salah. This is evident in many authentic traditions.

Based on this, the majority of Scholars including the Imaams of FIqh have stated that, ‘Going out to the Musalla (prayer place – open ground) for the Eid Salaah is Sunnah, even if the Jaami Mosque is large enough to accommodate the people.’ (Fatawa Hindiya).

It is also permissible to perform Eid Salaah in the Masjid when it can accommodate everyone. There is no prohibition or dislike in doing this.

With the blessed month of Ramadhan just a few weeks away, many Muslims will begin to prepare themselves for this sacred month. The preparation which will be needed is not only that of a physical one which is connected to the home, work and Mosque environment, but it will be needed for one’s spiritual self in training oneself to gain maximum spiritual rewards and uplift when the Holy month enters.

Along with all that is needed to be done in connection with the blessed month, one issue of great importance is that of sighting the moon (crescent) to begin the blessed month and also to celebrate the Eid. This matter, when looked at, from a Shariah’s perspective, is a very easy one which has no difficulty. Allah, the law giver, the revealer of the Quran, who has sent Islam as a complete religion and way of life, has not made anything in the religion of Islam difficult. The Quran itself attests to this fact by saying, ‘and He (Allah) has not placed upon you any difficulty in religion’. (Al Quran Surah Al Hajj Chapter 22, verse 78).
In another verse, the Holy Quran states, ‘He (Allah) intends for you ease and he does not want difficulty for you.’ (Al Quran Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2, verse 185)
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ has also stated, ‘Religion (Islam) is very easy, and no one makes the religion difficult upon him except that it dominates him. So, do the right thing and gain closeness to Allah.’ (Sahih Al Bukhari)

From these quotations, it becomes clear that the religion of Islam is one in which there is no difficulty and hardship. The practices which Muslims must do are easy to be done, and these do not place a burden on a person. This ease also includes the aspect of moon sighting in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ has given very easy and uncomplicated guidelines regarding the issue of beginning a month and ending a month, which includes Ramadhan and Shawaal. In this regard, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said ‘Fast (Ramadhan) at its sighting and terminate (Ramadhan) at its sighting. If the sky becomes overcast, then complete the number of days in Shabaan as thirty days.’ (Sahih Al Bukhari).

This blessed tradition gives a very easy guideline to be adopted in commencing the month of Ramadhan and terminating it. It tells us that at the end of Shabaan (that is, upon the termination of 29 days), Muslims must look for the new moon (crescent) to commence the month of Ramadhan. If it is sighted (taking into consideration the guidelines of the Shariah), then the blessed month of Ramadhan will commence. If it is not sighted, then Muslims must complete the month of Shabaan with 30 days and then begin the month of Ramadhan.

It is in order to fulfil the requirements of this and other similar narrations, Muslims all over the world make a considerable effort in sighting the crescent, and also, in gathering and sourcing information from many people and places. While this may be done with a good intention and for good reasons, problems arise on account of varying and conflicting reports that are conveyed at one time or at different times. Sometimes, Muslims receive information that the moon was sighted in another Island, but when investigated, it could not be verified as to who saw the moon and where it was sighted.

At times, the amount of people claiming to have sighted the moon is insufficient for a declaration to be made regarding the commencement of the Islamic month. It is in order to avoid such problems, a proper system must be adopted by Muslims in order to ensure that timings for fulfilling their religious obligations are correct.

The system which the scholars have explained is that of establishing of moon committees, especially where Muslims live in non-Muslim Countries that are not governed by an Islamic State. When these are formed, then the information regarding sightings will be conveyed to these committees who, with competent and qualified Islamic Scholars of the committee, will investigate and seek clarification of these sightings until information bearing certainty and accuracy is achieved. At the end of the investigation, the established Moon Committee of the City/Country will then make a declaration and a pronouncement with respect to the commencement of the Islamic month.

An established moon committee must have qualified and competent Islamic Scholars who are well aware of the intricacies and the laws of moon sighting. Wherever there is a Moon Committee of this nature, then they will be entrusted with the task and responsibility of making pronouncements regarding moon sighting to begin or end the Islamic month.

Individuals must not go about seeking their own information/reports and then transmit it or relate it to others when the Moon Committee has not yet made a formal pronouncement. Once the Moon Committee has ruled on the matter, then others are free to relate the information. The conduct of individuals to call their friends and family members from other places and then circulate the information received as if it is an official pronouncement or make the information mandatory upon others to follow is not permissible. Hence Muslims must refrain from such actions.

During the time of the Prophet ﷺ, he was the authority who made pronouncements of the sighting of the moon. It was only when he made a declaration, the Sahabahs (R.A) related the information. Whoever from amongst the Sahabahs (R.A) sighted the moon, he brought the information directly to the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ would then make a declaration based upon the acceptance of the sighting. After the demise of the Prophet ﷺ, the Khalifahs were fully in charge of fulfilling this responsibility. In this way, it continued to be the responsibility of the Islamic State until today, to officially declare the beginning and ending of the Islamic months based on the sighting of the new moon.

As for Non-Islamic Countries, then if such a Moon Committee exists which has gained the acceptance of Muslims in that area, and they (the Muslims) rely upon their sightings and the pronouncement of the months, and look upon them to guide them in the commencement and the termination of the Islamic months, then this Moon Committee will be entrusted with the responsibility of making declarations of the beginning and ending of Islamic months in the country and amongst Muslims. When such declarations are made, then Muslims are required to accept the information and practise upon it. Regarding this, the scholars have mentioned ‘the decision made by the established moon committee becomes essential for the Muslims to follow.’ (Kitabul Fatawa Vol.3, Pg 376 Zam Zam Publishers Karachi 2008; Jawahir Al Fiqh Vol.1, Pg 401 Maktaba Darul Uloom Karachi 1986).

While Muslims are required to turn towards the established moon committee for decisions regarding the moon sighting, the ‘Established Moon Committee’ must have competent and qualified Scholars who are able to make the correct decisions regarding moon sighting in accordance with the guidelines of the Shariah.

In many cases, reports begin to circulate among Muslims without anyone having any sound knowledge regarding the source of such reports and whether or not the Shariah requirements pertaining to sightings, testimony and verifying the information etc. were fulfilled.

Muslims must understand that guidelines are required to be fulfilled before an official pronouncement of the sighting is done. Whether the announcement is that ‘the moon has been sighted’ or ‘the moon has not been sighted,’ all such announcements must come from an established moon committee on an official basis. Such guidelines established in the Shariah does not give room or leeway to individuals to roam around the Muslims, giving their own personal and individual reports, interpretations and rulings regarding the sighting of the moon. It is this sort of conduct which gives rise to problems and confusion among Muslims regarding the sighting of the moon. Such individuals are, most of the time, not part of a moon committee and are not competent and qualified to investigate and examine reports to ensure that these fulfil the Shariah guidelines. It is therefore necessary for Muslims to refer to the established ‘Moon Sighting Committee’ in their town, Island or country for announcements and declarations regarding the sighting of the moon. In this way, unity and harmony among Muslims will continue, and they would save themselves from confusion.

It is in order to provide such an important service, the Darul Uloom Moon Committee has been formed since 2000. For 15 years now, the Darul Uloom Moon Committee has provided moon sighting updates and have declared the commencement of each of the Islamic lunar months, based on well investigated information and sound reports.

The service of the Moon Sighting Committee is not only for Ramadhan and Eid, but it continues for every Islamic month. The Darul Uloom Moon Sighting Committee has formed smaller moon committees in Trinidad and Tobago, who submit reports of sighting to the head Committee of the Darul Uloom on a monthly basis for sightings. Over this period of 15 years, the Moon Sighting Committee of Darul Uloom has become well established in Trinidad and Tobago and the entire region of the Caribbean.

Muslims living in other Caribbean Islands continue to look up to the DUMC (Darul Uloom Moon Committee) for official pronouncements of sighting. Along with them, moon committees and organisations from Jamaica, Panama, Bermuda, Canada, Chicago and Miami continue to rely upon the Darul Uloom’s sighting and announcements pertaining to the start of the Islamic months. Darul Uloom Moon Committee thus, has gained wide acceptance in Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and across the region. Muslims in this Island are therefore requested to refer to the DUMC sightings and pronouncements for the start of the Islamic months, especially the moon sighting to commence Ramadhan and Shawaal (for Eid-ul-Fitr).

One notion that Muslims must avoid and get away from, is the thought that the actual day of Eid ul Fitr will be a day which has been given as a public holiday for Eid celebrations in the Country. On account of this understanding, some Muslims begin to prepare for Eid on that day and invite friends and family to celebrate on that specific day. Thereafter, if the actual day of Eid (based on sighting) happens to fall on another day, they become upset, and begin to use remarks and statements condemning moon committees and scholars. This understanding is totally wrong and must not be entertained. The day of Eid is based on the actual sighting of the moon or the completion of Ramadhan as 30 days. It may not coincide with a day that has been fixed as a public holiday, but may be on another day. Muslims must accept this fact, and be prepared to celebrate on that day which is pronounced as Eid-ul-Fitr by the Moon Committee. This obviously will be based on the actual sighting and sound/reliable reports which will come from moon committees locally and regionally.

This means that if information regarding the pronouncement of the start of Ramadhan and/or Eid-ul-Fitr comes late at night or early in the morning, then it must be accepted and practised upon by Muslims. The Shariah has not given any ‘cut-off’ time for the acceptance and reporting of moon sighting. Whenever the correct information regarding the pronouncement of the start of the month is received, one is required to fully accept it and practise in accordance to it.

As such, if one receives the information late at night or before the break of dawn that the moon to commence Ramadhan has been sighted, then one must make preparations to observe the fast. Similarly, if the information regarding the sighting of the moon for Shawaal comes at any one of these timings, one must not observe the fast, but instead prepare for the Eid-ul-Fitr. These sightings and reports however, must be accepted by the established moon committee who must make the necessary pronouncements. In a like manner, if the authentic information (accepted by the moon committee) regarding the commencement of the month of Ramadhan comes during the daytime when (due to one’s ignorance of it) did not start the day with a fast, then he must refrain from eating and drinking for the rest of that day.

For example if one started the 30th day of Shabaan with the knowledge that the moon was not sighted the night before (on account of which Ramadahn did not commence), but during the 30th day of Shabaan, he received sound information (accepted by the Moon Committee) that the moon was sighted and that Ramadhan had commenced, then one must refrain from eating/drinking for the rest of the day. (Ma’arif Sunan Vol.5 Pg. 345; Fatawa Haqaniya Vol.4 Pgs. 129-130).

In a similar manner, if reliable reports regarding the sighting of the moon for Shawaal (to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr) are received, at a time when Muslims have started to observe the fast of the 30th of Ramadhan, and the Moon Committee had pronounced the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr based on these reports , then Muslims must break their fast and prepare for Eid. If the pronouncement was made in the morning period, then they must perform the Eid Salaah any time before Zawaal. If the pronouncement was made close to the period of Zawaal (due to the late arrival of information) and there was not sufficient time to have Salah and the Khutbah of Eid before Zawaal, then Eid will be celebrated the next day. If the pronouncement was made after Zawaal, then the Muslims should perform Eid Salah on the next day. (Shami Vol.1, Pg-783; Fatawa Mahmoodiya Vol.10, Pg-85).

These guidelines are given as reminders, so that Muslims would be aware of what is required from them in different situations. In the past, due to the lack of knowledge regarding some of these guidelines, Muslims found themselves in difficulties since they did not know what to do. This eventually led to a bit of confusion and misunderstanding, where some decided to hold firmly to a statement that they made before, and dismissed the new and reliable information regarding the sighting of the moon. This conduct of some is against the teachings of Islam and must not be adopted. Muslims must turn to the established moon committee for official pronouncements and declarations regarding the commencement of Ramadhan and the celebration of Eid. Information and reports received by individuals from locals and foreigners should be conveyed to the Moon Committee. They will then investigate the reports and make a pronouncement regarding the sighting.

The practice of circulating such information and spreading it among the Muslims (by individuals) without having it investigated, verified and accepted by the Moon Committee, creates confusion among the Muslims, and hence, must not be done. The Moon Committee is the authority in charge of investigating moon sightings and accepting these in accordance with the guidelines of the Shariah. They would make the official declaration regarding the commencement of the Islamic months, especially that of Ramadhan and Shawaal (for Eid-ul-Fitr). Muslims are therefore urged to refer to the moon committee for official pronouncements regarding the sighting of the moon.

My question refers to the sacrifice of Eid – ul Adha. I want to know if it is fard/ sunnah or nafl . If someone now turns 65 and now starts to receive old age pension for the last 3 months and have approximately 6,000 does that person still have to do the sacrifice because she has the nisaab? . Please take into consideration that this person had no prior job and no prior savings and this is all the money that she possesses.

Answer:

Wa Alaikum As Salaam,

Many of the great fuqaha (jurists) and Imams of Fiqh have stated that the sacrifice of Eid-Ul-Adha (Qurbani) is wajib (essential) on every Muslim (male and female) who is of sound mind, mature and possesses wealth on the days of Eid ul Adha to the amount of the Nisaab (i.e the minimum amount of wealth which makes Zakaah compulsory upon a person). It is not wajib on a traveller (according to the Shariah), nor upon a minor or insane person even though they may possess wealth.

This ruling of it being wajib is based on the strong emphasis which the Prophet (s.a.w) placed on doing the sacrifice. A tradition recorded by Imam Tirmidhi states that the Prophet (s.a.w) lived in Madina after the Hijrah for ten years, and every single year he did a Qurbani. (Tirmidhi).
The Prophet (s.a.w) also said, ‘Whoever has the means (to do a sacrifice) and does not do it, let him not come to our place of Salaah’ (for Eid). (Ibn Majah).

With respect to the person you have asked about, once she possesses the Nisab during the days of Eid-ul Adha, she will have to do a sacrifice. Although the person did not have a prior job or a prior savings, she will have to do the sacrifice if she has the $6,000 during the days of Eid-Al Adha. Being in possession of this amount at that time means that she will possess a Nisaab and will also have the means to do a sacrifice.

In the Eid Salaah, the Imam forgot to perform the ruku after the extra takbirs in the second rakaat. However, while going for sajda the muqtadi corrected him, whereupon he returned, performed the ruku and then went for sajda. Then he performed a sajda sahw. Will this Salaah be in order? Is there any sajda sahw in the Eid Salaah?

Answer:

Sajda Sahw is normally performed when a wajib act is forgetfully left out or performing such and act before or after it’s time. In the above mentioned case, the Sajda Sahw has rectified the delay in ruku, but according to most Jurists, Sajda Sahw should not be performed in Eid Salaah. As such, the Salaah remains in order even if it was not performed. With its performance as in the case above, the Salaah would still remain in order.

Many great scholars have spoken against the use of fireworks to celebrate the night of Eid. There is no Islamic teaching that tells us that we must celebrate the night of Eid. The only type of celebration of the Eid night which is evident in the Ahadith is the act of engaging in optional Ibaadah (worship).

In addition, the scholars have mentioned that the use of fireworks is a wastage of money and it is in resemblance to the acts of the unbelievers who celebrate their festivals in this manner.

It is evident from the traditions recorded by Imam Bukhari that when the Prophet (S.A) entered Madina and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura due to the fact that Allah had given deliverance to Moosa (A.S) on this day, he also began fast on this day and also commanded his companions to fast. Imam Ahmad reports from Muaz (R.A) that along with this he also fasted on three days every month when he came to Madina.

This manner of observing the fast continued until Shabaan 2A.H when the law of fasting in Ramadaan was revealed in verse 185 of Sura Baqara. Upon this, the fast of Ramadaan became compulsory and all other fasts became optional. (Ibn Jareer, Ibn Katheer)

According to Ibn Jareer, as quoted by Hafiz Ibn Kahteer, the law regarding Sadaqatul Fitr was revealed in the same year (i.e. Ramadaan of 2A.H) and the establishment of Eid-ul-Fitr also came at the same time. This was the first Eid Salaah which the Prophet offered in the open ground and became a regular practice in the years to follow. According to the tradition recorded by Imam Bukhari, he invited all the Muslims, males and females, young and old to the place of Eid in order to celebrate the day and asked the women who were in their menses to refrain from the praying area. It is in this context he said, “For every nation there is a day of celebration, and our celebration is the Eid”. (Bukhari, Muslim).

He also mentioned that on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr the servants are given their full rewards for having done a great amount of worship during the month of Ramadaan. He also called the day of Eid as the day of prize giving when Allah gives prizes to all his servants. (Baihaqi).

can you tell me where the Eid salaats suppose to be held and where it not suppose to be held also can I get some info as to why men are wear tope or turban

jaazackallah

Answer:

Wa Alaikum As Salaam,

The best place for the Eid Salaat to be held is a large open area outside the city. This can be an established Musalla or Eid-Gah, or people may go to an open field to perform the Eid Salaah. Besides this it can also be held in the main masjid of the city or other masjids.

It is not proper to have Eid Salaah in small masjids or musallas in which the 5 times Salaah or Juma is not held. Similarly, having Eid Salaah in offices, workplace, homes etc. will not be allowed.

Topi and Turban are from among part of the dress of the Prophet (SAS). These were not confined to the performance of Salaah, but they were worn as part of his daily dress. On account of this, these are known to be the ‘Sunnat of the Prophet (SAS)’ with respect to wearing, and Muslim males are encouraged to adopt his dress. If not the turban, at least males should always wear a topi (cap).

The fatwa of the Darul Uloom Trinidad and Tobago regarding the above topic is that under no circumstances should Juma be neglected. Muslims are encouraged to perform their Juma Salaat even though they have performed Eid Salaat in the morning.

Our fatwa is corroborated by many traditions and explanations of the Ahadith, which indicates to us that whenever Eid falls on the Day of Juma then Salaatul Juma must not be neglected.